Expansible Chamber Of Fluid Pressure Applying Or Controlling Means Patents (Class 141/25)
  • Publication number: 20020124905
    Abstract: A physical means of support and positioning for multi-dose vials by employing in a preferred embodiment, a specifically designed multi-sided structure whose front side is angled in such a manner as to hold the vial in proper orientation for access, and is shaped in such a manner as to firmly and securely hold vial by it's bottle neck in a closely conforming slot, and whose open anterior area permits visual inspection of vial expiration dates and actual fluid appearance and volume, and whose back provides temporary or permanent attachment to a surface in a position such that visibility of the vial's penetrable multi-dose orifice is optimal and allows access for aspiration or injection of fluid, and whose bottom perimeter is flat and sufficiently broad whereby accidental tipping over of usually cylindrical multi-dose vials and their subsequent displacement is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: David Gardner Draughn, Johnny Leonard Herring
  • Patent number: 6446683
    Abstract: An attachment (3) for a vacuum gun (2), for evacuating and containing a fluid from a reservoir of fluid, such as brake fluid from a brake system. The attachment (3) has a body (21, 25) with an inlet (22) for the fluid and an outlet (24) that may be sealingly attached to a front end of a gun (2). The attachment (3) also has a coupling (26), a container (27) which is releasably attachable to the coupling (26), a first passage (33, 34) extending between the inlet (22) and the container (27), a second passage (35, 36) extending between the container (27) and the outlet (24), and a tap (70) which may be moved to either close or open the said passages (33, 34, 35, 36). In use, the gun (2) generates a vacuum within the attachment (3) and when the tap (70) is in the open position, the fluid may be collected within the container (27). A float valve (83) within the second passage (35) ensures that the container (27) cannot overfill with fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: ABW Australia Pty LTD
    Inventors: David Mitchell, Alan Grieves
  • Patent number: 6427729
    Abstract: A method and system of pressurizing natural gas, and/or other gaseous substances, indirectly, by pressurizing a liquid-filled chamber in which a flexible bladder has been inserted which holds the gas to be pressurized. This Indirect Pressurization Facility (IPF) will take small volumes of gas, at pressures less than the pressure inside a gas sales line, boost the pressure by pumping a liquid onto the outside of the bladder which collapses the bladder and re-positions the trapped gas into a smaller confinement which results in an increase in the pressure of the gas. When the increased pressure reaches a level above the sales line pressure, the gas will be squeezed out and into the sales line. The process is then repeated until the gas supply from the well declines to a point where it is no longer economically-justified to continue operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: James Rose Teel
  • Patent number: 6412528
    Abstract: A manually operative siphoning pump apparatus for transferring liquid from one container to another container. The siphoning pump apparatus has a hollow cylindrical pump body through which liquid from one container to another can flow and a bellows attached thereto for establishing a vacuum within said pump body. The hollow pump body has a inlet pipe and an outlet an elongated flexible hose or tube connected to each of the pipes. The siphoning pump apparatus has an axially movable valve within the hollow pump body for initiating, controlling and shutting off the flow of liquid through the pump body during the siphoning process and, hence, from one container to another container. The axially movable valve has a cylindrical head at one end thereof and a connector at the opposite end thereof for fixing it to the bottom of the bellows. The axially movable valve is manually controlled by an elongated lever arm pivotally attached to a housing handle at one end and fixedly attached to the bottom of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Alex, Johnny Laureijs, Ronald R. Chisholm
  • Patent number: 6401985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a liquid container, a base and an air pressure device; the liquid container has an internal reservoir for containing the liquid and a dispensing conduit connected to a dispensing nozzle; a part of the dispensing conduit may be situated within the reservoir and is adapted to transfer the liquid from the reservoir to the dispensing nozzle; the base has a surface for holding a liquid receiver; the dispensing nozzle of the liquid container may be positioned above the surface of the base so that when the liquid receiver is situated upon the surface, the liquid from the dispensing nozzle will go into the receiver; the air pressure device is designed for creating pressurized air and is mounted in conjunction with the base; the pressurized device is connected with the internal reservoir of the liquid container, whereby upon operation of the air pressure device, pressurized air is supplied to the internal reservoir of the liquid container which
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 6357492
    Abstract: A liquid changer includes a base, a liquid tank, a pump and a changeover valve. The base has two insert grooves for the liquid tank and the pump to fit therein to stand up. The changeover valve is located at one side of the pump. Switching the changeover valve to IN or OUT position can pump out the liquid in the liquid tank or exhaust out the liquid in a container of any other use. Thus the liquid changer can be used in two ways by means of the changeover valve easily switched. In addition, the pump is located outside the liquid tank, increasing liquid volume to be stored in the liquid tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Sgr-Bin Hsu
  • Patent number: 6349850
    Abstract: A method comprising the following steps: preparing in a vacuum a dry form (18) of an active principle, as well as a liquid (22), and drawing this liquid into the dry form, by the action of the vacuum to obtain an injectable preparation. The device comprises a gastight syringe (19) to condition under vacuum the dry form, a reservoir (12) containing the liquid (22) and a cap (29) forming a connector between the syringe and the liquid reservoir, the injection needle (25) of the syringe being driven into the septum (24) of the cap (29). The invention enables a preparation which is directly injectable by an automatic rehydration step to be obtained; indeed, after activation, the extemporaneous preparation is automatic since the device elements move by themselves under the action of the liquid which is drawn by suction into the volume under vacuum containing the solid formulation (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Societe de Conseils de Recherches et D'Applications Scientifiques SCRAS
    Inventor: Roland Cherif Cheikh
  • Patent number: 6308747
    Abstract: An ampule having flexible walls with a zone which is programmed to promulgate collapse. The ampule includes an opening that is adapted to dock with a fluid receiving device such as a syringe in air tight sealing engagement. The collapse of the ampule is engineered to occur before breaking the seal that exists between the opening of the ampule and the docking syringe luer tip to ensure sterile transfer of fluid without contamination, especially from ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Barry Farris
  • Patent number: 6267154
    Abstract: A container for holding a concentrated drug for a mixing system includes a barrel with a cover structure including a delivery passage at a first end and a closing structure at an opposite, second end. A female Luer lock fitting defines the delivery passage at the first end. The closing structure and the female Luer lock fitting can each be formed integrally with the barrel, or the closing structure can be a slidable stopper. The closing structure may also include a holder. The holder is constructed to move between two positions. In the first position, the holder is in a elevated position on the second end of the barrel. The barrel can vent vapor around the cover piece. In the second position, the holder is depressed onto the barrel and it cannot vent vapor. The cover structure may include a snap-on cover piece to fit over the first end. The cover piece includes the female luer lock fitting. The cover piece functions similar to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Robert Felicelli, Richard W. Grabenkort, Con A. Lasaitis, Gary N. Smith, John S. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6244308
    Abstract: An improved bulb baster wherein one end of the bulb is flat, allowing the baster to be stood upright. In one embodiment of the present invention the bulb of the baster is formed from a thermo resistant material that permits flexibility while helping to prevent burns to finger tips when adding or subtracting liquids to and from a food item, respectively. In another embodiment of the present invention the tube of the baster can be fitted with an adjustable collar to provide additional functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Duotrade Trading, Lda.
    Inventors: Lucas Bignon, Mathieu Lion
  • Patent number: 6213597
    Abstract: An apparatus for the ink cartridge of a jet printer, which mainly comprises an ink-storage container and a cylinder; the ink-storage container has a cylindrical body portion, of which the bottle mouth is furnished with a retaining ring and screw threads to be connected with a piston ring and a threaded cap respectively so as to store ink; one end of the cylindrical body portion is furnished with an outer body portion having a large diameter; the cylindrical body portion and the inner cylinder of the cylinder are assembled together; the piston ring of the bottle mouth is in close contact with the inner cylinder; the front end of the sealed surface of the cylinder is furnished with a tapered ink straw to be plugged and connected with a through hole of the ink cartridge; hold the outer surface of the cylinder, and then the thumb pushes the shoulder portion of the ink-storage container upwards so as to generate a negative pressure for replenishing ink into the ink cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Win-Yin Liu
  • Patent number: 6192945
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of fluid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of fluid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Ford, Darin McDaniel, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter, Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Bronwen Heilman, Brian McGraw
  • Patent number: 6189580
    Abstract: The improved vial transfer assembly or vial transferset may be attached to a vial under sterile conditions and used to transfer fluid to or from a conventional vial. The transferset includes a tubular transfer member which is sealingly supported on the rim portion of a vial stopper, a piercing member having a piercing end reciprocally supported by an internal surface of the transfer member, a cap enclosing the tubular transfer member and a collar preferably formed of a malleable material which secures the assembly on the stopper, which is crimped beneath the vial rim. The piercing member has a generally longitudinal external channel which, upon piercing the planar portion of the stopper, establishes fluid communication with the vial through the tubular transfer member. The distal end of the tubular transfer member includes a Luer lock for establishing fluid communication to a syringe, IV set or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Jean Claude Thibault, Hubert Jansen
  • Patent number: 6161364
    Abstract: A production process for a prefilled, sterile syringe comprising providing a sterilized syringe barrel having sealable proximal and sealable distal ends. The proximal end being opened and the distal end being closed and adapted for coupling with a syringe outlet piece. In accordance with the process, the distal end of the barrel is closed and the barrel is then filled through the proximal end while the proximal end is opened with a fluid medium in the form of a liquid, a solution, a suspension or an emulsion wherein the barrel contains the fluid medium in a portion of the barrel and contains a gaseous medium in another portion of the barrel. After the barrel has been filled, a sterile plug is inserted through the proximal end of the barrel to close the proximal end. After pressing the plug into the barrel, the barrel is vented through a tube extending past the plug so that only the liquid medium is within the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Scherring Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Reiner Kolberg
  • Patent number: 6138720
    Abstract: An apparatus for charging pressurized aerosol cans with liquid is provided having a base for providing mechanical stability, a can support assembly for supporting an aerosol can being filled with liquid, and a can charging assembly having a can receiving element and including a liquid reservoir having a tapered bottom in fluid communication with a pump rod receiving aperture for receiving a main piston pump rod. The main piston pump rod has a linearly elongated shaft terminating at its lower end in a radially expanded head and a sealing ring receiving slot into which a pliable sealing ring is recessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Edward William Zeigler
  • Patent number: 6112779
    Abstract: The capsule (11), which can be screwed onto the threaded neck (3) of the bottle, coaxially forms the cylinder (15) of the syringe device; an element (21) inside the capsule (11) and surrounding the cylinder (15) forms an annular leaktight seal (21A) which can be tightened onto the edge (3B) of the neck (3) and fits inside the bottle neck by means of a shaped extension piece (21B); said element (21) accommodates, via a central hole, the cylinder (15) of the syringe device and surrounds it with an annular lip (21C) which extends toward the center of the bottle so as to wipe the outer surface of the cylinder as the capsule is fitted with a safety cap (29) and a seal (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Project s.a.s.di Massimo Menichelli & C.
    Inventor: Maffei Camilla
  • Patent number: 6006798
    Abstract: A syringe loading jig that includes structures for gripping and holding a medicant vial in concentric alignment with a syringe and includes a horizontal fastening mechanism for securing the syringe loading jig to a horizontal surface and a vertical fastening mechanism for securing the syringe loading jig to a vertical surface. The syringe loading jig includes a resilient molded jig structure forming a vial holding assembly and a syringe holding assembly. The vial holding assembly includes a lockable vial securing clip and a resilient vial body receiving cavity, a vial neck receiving channel and a vial cap receiving cavity. The resilient vial body receiving cavity, the vial neck receiving channel and the vial cap receiving cavity are concentrically aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Barbara J. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 6003566
    Abstract: The improved vial transfer assembly or vial transferset may be attached to a vial under sterile conditions and used to transfer fluid to or from a conventional vial. The transferset includes a tubular transfer member which is sealingly supported on the rim portion of a vial stopper, a piercing member having a piercing end reciprocally supported by an internal surface of the transfer member, a cap enclosing the tubular transfer member and a collar preferably formed of a malleable material which secures the assembly on the stopper, which is crimped beneath the vial rim. The piercing member has a generally longitudinal external channel which, upon piercing the planar portion of the stopper, establishes fluid communication with the vial through the tubular transfer member. The distal end of the tubular transfer member includes a Luer lock for establishing fluid communication to a syringe, IV set or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Jean Claude Thibault, Hubert Jansen
  • Patent number: 5908141
    Abstract: A method and system for re-fueling natural gas vehicles, at home, utilizing a hydraulic pressurization-chamber instead of a conventional mechanical compressor, to boost low-pressure gas (usually about 1 psi) up to the 3500-4000 psi required to re-fuel automotive equipment. This Residential Refueling Facility (RFF) will acquire natural gas from a residential public utility gas line into a flexible bladder located inside a steel high-pressure vessel where it will be pressurized by pumping a hydraulic fluid into the annulus between the outside of the bladder and the inside walls of the steel vessel. When the increased pressure reaches a level above the pressure existing in the on-board storage tanks on the vehicle being re-fueled, the gas in the bladder will be squeezed out to the on-board storage tank. The process is then repeated until the on-board storage tanks are filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: James R. Teel
  • Patent number: 5899243
    Abstract: A method for adding or removing a liquid product to or from a tank using a breather bag attached to an upper air vent of the tank. Prior to adding a liquid product, the bag is filled with external air either by force or atmospheric pressure, and a liquid product is added to the tank between the bag and tank while simultaneously forcing the external air out of the bag by force on the bag caused by addition of a liquid product into the tank. As liquid product is removed from the tank through an outlet valve, the breather bag is sucked downward by the vacuum created between the bag and tank as the liquid product is removed. In both processes, the liquid product is separated from the external air by the breather bag, yielding the following advantages. Evaporative losses of liquid products stored in atmospheric tanks are averted. Thus, environmental pollution by product gases that would be expelled out of the tanks is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Frontenge Engenharia Ltda
    Inventor: Alberto Moriyama
  • Patent number: 5894870
    Abstract: A syringe guide and vial holder facilitates the insertion of a syringe into a medicine vial and the subsequent withdrawal of medicine from the vial into the syringe. The syringe guide is constructed of a single piece of material and includes a syringe trough for slidingly supporting the syringe, a vial holder for holding the medicine vial, and a throat therebetween which defines a vial cap slot that limits the movement of the vial. The syringe trough includes a magnifying wall for magnifying the contents of and any indica on the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company
    Inventor: Andrew A. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5860456
    Abstract: A device for aligning a syringe with a vessel having a variable internal volume and containing an injectable solution. The device includes one section for removably retaining a vessel of an injectable solution, one section for allowing insertion and extraction of a syringe, and another section adjoining the two aforementioned sections for accurately aligning the needle of the syringe with the opening of the vessel. The alignment device further includes a clip for both releasably retaining the vessel in the device and for enabling the device to be clipped to a shirt pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
    Inventors: Roland Joseph Bydlon, Javan Eronmy Collins, William Harold Morrison, Jr., Bradley Ray Newman
  • Patent number: 5833089
    Abstract: A connector for connecting two containers includes a first portion releasably secured to the neck of the first container and a second portion having an access opening. A closure member for sealing the access opening of the connector includes a cover for sealably closing the access opening, the cover being fixed to the connector so as to include a breakable point of attachment and a zone of weakness disposed on the periphery of the cover. The cover includes a tab disposed generally perpendicular to the cover and a strut angularly disposed between the tab and the cover such that the exertion of pressure substantially normal to the tab causes the cover to release from the connector at the zone of weakness and the rotation of the cover causes release of the cover from the connector at the breakable point of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Charles Manni, Jean Pierre Augier
  • Patent number: 5785098
    Abstract: A syringe or cartridge has a displaceable stopper located herein, and an apparatus for filling the syringe or cartridge has a reservoir for holding a flowable filling material and a plunger associated with the reservoir to exert pressure on the flowable material in the reservoir. The plunger includes at least one dispensing port defining a channel through the plunger for connection with the syringe or cartridge to be filled. The apparatus also has a pressurizer for applying pressure to the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Singapore Asahi Chemical & Solder Industries Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Vincent Kho Yue Sern, See Soon Lee, Chew Kai Hwa
  • Patent number: 5769138
    Abstract: An injector nozzle which has a body defining a chamber. A portion of the body has an orifice which communicates with the chamber for allowing fluid to enter into or exit from the chamber. The nozzle body includes at least one depression which is configured and dimensioned to cooperatively engage a tab member of an associated component for coupling thereto. The depression is also configured and dimensioned to positively lock the body to the associated component. The body portion which contains the depression is spaced proximally from the orifice. Also, an adapter for coupling the nozzle to a fluid container. The adapter includes a tubular member having first and second ends and a wall therebetween. The wall includes a passageway therethrough with the first end being dimensioned and configured to cooperatively engage the nozzle. The orifice of the nozzle generally aligns with the wall passageway for fluid communication therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Medi-Ject Corporation
    Inventors: Peter L. Sadowski, Sheldon Nelson, David Schiff, Walter Stoeckmann
  • Patent number: 5676180
    Abstract: A system for delivering natural gas, from a moveable transport or pipeline, is off-loaded at an automotive re-fueling station, or other end-user facility, into one or more storage vessels equipped with internal flexible bladders. The pressure of the gas, stored inside the bladders, will be increased to levels sufficient for re-filling automotive on-board storage tanks, or other end uses, by pumping a hydraulic fluid in the annulus between the bladder and the walls of the steel storage vessels, thereby collapsing the flexible bladder and squeezing gas out to an on-board storage tank. The use of a hydraulic pump, instead of a more-expensive compressor, to pressurize the gas, results in significant cost savings which reduces the overall cost of CNG at the station, making CNG (the "preferred alternative fuel") less expensive than gasoline and/or diesel, which will enable CNG to replace gasoline and/or diesel as the primary fuel for automobiles, trucks, and busses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: James R. Teel
  • Patent number: 5651397
    Abstract: A device for consolidating compositions contained in partially filled dual chamber dispensing cartridges includes a body having a pair of passages, and first and second couplers for connecting the body to first and second dual chamber dispensing cartridges. Once the device is connected to two cartridges, an applicator is connected to one of the cartridges and is used to expel any remaining compositions in such cartridge to chambers of the other cartridge. The contents of several partially empty cartridges can be consolidated in this manner so that a subsequent dispensing operation need not be interrupted to replace cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Black, Frederick J. Turk, Bruce R. Broyles
  • Patent number: 5626173
    Abstract: This container includes a neck (26), the free end of which is equipped with an orifice for outflow of the pressurized fluid contained in the container, closed off by a perforatable cover (30) in order to release the pressurized fluid. The pressurized-fluid delivery assembly comprises the container and an element (36) for connecting the neck (26) to pressurized-fluid supply pipe (37) of a hydraulic circuit, these being equipped with elements (40) for piercing the cover which are able to be actuated after connection of the neck to the supply pipe (37). This assembly makes it possible to supply, for example, a brake-fluid reservoir of a hydraulic pressurized-brake-fluid brake circuit so as to bleed this circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Safet Embamet
    Inventor: Jacques Groult
  • Patent number: 5603360
    Abstract: A system for delivering natural gas, from a pipeline, is loaded onto a movable transport by flowing the gas into multiple pressure vessels equipped with internal flexible bladders which will contain the gas until the pressure in the vessels equalize with the pressure in the pipeline. At that time, the transport will be moved to a compressed natural gas (CNG) re-fueling station. At the re-fueling station, the multiple pressure vessels will be connected to an un-loading conduit leading to the storage facilities. The natural gas will be un-loaded by pressure differential until pressures equalize, then pressurized hydraulic fluid will be pumped into the annulus between the bladder and the steel walls of the pressure vessel which will deflate the bladder and squeeze the remaining gas out of the bladder to storage. The transport is then disconnected from the un-loading facilities and returned to the pipeline for re-filling with natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: James R. Teel
  • Patent number: 5586587
    Abstract: The invention comprises a high rate pressure vessel filling process which improves the accuracy of filling pressure vessels to required gas mass. The approach overcomes heating effects of high rate filling and volume variation effects by slowly prefilling a series of temperature monitored and controlled cylinders of a set volume, then rapidly discharging the premeasured gas mass into the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Leininger, Walter A. Moore
  • Patent number: 5586629
    Abstract: An implantable drug infusion pump filling system includes a filling syringe, a pressure control valve, a filling tube, and an implantable drug infusion pump. The pressure of the drug or agent loaded into the pump is prevented from exceeding a selected maximum pressure by the pressure control valve. The pressure control valve comprises a valve body that has an inlet passage coupled to the filling syringe, an internal chamber, and a discharge passage coupled to the pump. The inlet passage, the internal chamber, and the discharge passage form a flow passage for the flow of the drug. A mandrel is slidably disposed in the valve body. The mandrel is coupled to a flexible membrane, which is, in turn, coupled to a biasing member. When the pressure of the drug or agent acting on the flexible membrane exceeds the spring constant of the biasing member, the mandrel moves to a closed position, shutting off the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret R. Shoberg, Kenneth T. Heruth
  • Patent number: 5566729
    Abstract: A drug reconstitution and administration system includes a container for a concentrated drug or other medicament, a syringe assembly which can be pre-filled with a liquid diluent, and a mixing adapter assembly which facilitates mixing of the medicament with the liquid diluent. The adapter assembly includes inner and outer concentrically arranged, relatively movable sleeves, which together define an expandable mixing chamber within the adapter assembly. The container and pre-filled syringe are respectively fitted to the adapter assembly, with the contents of the container and the contents of the syringe transferred into the internal mixing chamber. A diluted drug mixture is formed in the mixing chamber, and the mixture is transferred into the syringe assembly for subsequent patient administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Richard W. Grabenkort, John C. Tanner, II, Sheldon M. Wecker
  • Patent number: 5547000
    Abstract: Colored silicone sealant are made in an apparatus by (i) programming a central computer to control the operation of a mixing device and a plurality of dosing units actuated by a ball screw table/servo-motor mechanism; (ii) supplying sealant base and pigments to the dosing units; (iii) activating the ball screw table/servo-motor mechanism in response to signals from the computer; (iv) metering predetermined volumes of sealant base and pigments at a predetermined rate; (v) conveying metered portions to the mixing device; and (vi) dispensing colored silicone sealant into a cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel N. Kemp, Timothy W. Mitin, Kenneth J. Rohman, Christopher C. Shirk, Ronald W. Wieck
  • Patent number: 5497812
    Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly refilling a dry wall cement dispensing tool from a dry wall cement-filled bucket containing a thick-walled, heavy, metal pump tube for submerging into the dry wall cement contained therein, all of a weight to provide the pump tube with a low center of gravity when set in the bucket of dry wall cement, a cement-moving piston attached to the pump rod for reciprocal motion inside the pump tube, a thin-walled, light weight transfer device lighter in weight than the pump tube, extending outward from the aperture top end of the pump tube and in hydraulic communication therewith including a nozzle device for conveying the cement from the heavy pump tube into the cement dispensing tool, and a thin-walled, light weight pneumatic rectilinear reciprocating device lighter in weight than the pump tube, mounted above the tube of a size easily balanced by hand, interconnected the pump rod and including an actuation valve, for sequentially and rapidly raising and lowering the piston in the heavy pump
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: Anthony R. Orosco, Alton P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5494082
    Abstract: A plastic filler insert for use with (i) a writing instrument having a converter device including (a) a piston-cylinder unit adapted to receive and dispense writing fluid and (b) an aspirating connector, and (ii) a writing fluid container (1) having a cylindrical neck opening (2), which can be closed off with a cap. The filler insert permits refilling, from the container, of the writing instrument. The filler insert includes a closure plate (3) having a sealing edge (4). The sealing edge (4) is configured to be seated on a rim of the cylindrical neck opening (2) of the writing fluid container (1). The closure plate includes a receiving connector (6) formed on the bottom (5) of the closure plate (3). The receiving connector (6) has a cylindrical receiving opening (7), is open toward the outside, and extends into the interior of the container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: rotring-werke Riepe KG
    Inventor: Jurgen Rathenberg
  • Patent number: 5407437
    Abstract: A closure for a medicament well (1) with a central closing luer-shaped body (2) and, if desired, a round body (2), and a luer-lock skirt extending substantially in parallel with the latter, comprises a void (4), which is provided in the upper end of closure (2) and defined against the outside by a flexible wall (5) on the upper side and on the other side is made to communicate with the outside, via a channel (6) extending through body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignees: Bent Heimreid, Otto T. Preiss
    Inventor: Bent Heimreid
  • Patent number: 5370159
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly filling fuel tanks with natural gas from a large pressurized storage vessel utilizing a compressor having a cylinder dedicated to removal of natural gas from the storage vessel and supplying it to the fuel tanks while other compressor cylinders at least partially replenish the removed natural gas by charging compressed gas to the storage vessel. The gas removal cylinder and other cylinders are connected to a common drive shaft driven by a single motor. The apparatus and method provide for rapid fueling of large numbers of vehicles using natural gas while significantly reducing capital investment requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Price Compressor Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Billy F. Price
  • Patent number: 5349992
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for distributing and dispensing a potable liquid are claimed. The apparatus comprises a faucet, and a storage tank. A conveying channel is provided for sanitarily conveying potable liquid from an outside source to the tank. The conveying channel includes a sanitary fitting containing an inlet channel. The fitting provides a detachable sanitary connection between the conveying channel and the source. A mechanism for draining free-standing liquid from the inlet channel is also provided. The inlet channel of the fitting terminates at a first coupling which contains an acme sanitary thread. A flow producing mechanism cooperates with the tank and the faucet for causing a flow of liquid from the tank upon the opening of the faucet. A discharge channel is connected to the faucet at one end and connected to receive the flow of liquid at its other end. The discharge channel conveys the flow of potable liquid to the faucet. The source comprises a vehicle with a supply tank mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventors: Steven P. Gallo, Jack Fiorelli
  • Patent number: 5343909
    Abstract: A liquid transfer device including a holder for a pipette array. A flexible preformed membrane having cups is over the proximal openings of the pipettes and sandwiched therebetween with a housing with the cups extending into the proximal openings of the pipettes. A vacuum drawn in the housing everts the membrane from the proximal openings thereby creating reduced pressure in the pipettes which when their distal ends are immersed in a liquid will draw up some of the liquid into the pipettes in substantially equal amounts. In one embodiment a movable abutment is provided to control the upward travel of the everting membrane and thereby the amount of liquid drawn into the pipettes. A method for fabricating the preformed membrane is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Jack Goodman
  • Patent number: 5333660
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for self-service dispensing of purified water with enhanced efficiency and safety. Personal injury and property damage caused by inadvertent impact of the movable dispensing spout is prevented by use of an adjustable slip clutch connected to the spout drive motor. Additionally, intermittent delivery of small quantities of purified water i.e. "topping off", is achieved without a motorized pump through manual tapping of an accumulator tank of variable storage capacity, containing a pressurized internal bladder. When emptied, the accumulator tank activates a motorized pump to provide for refilling the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventors: Michael J. Kohlmann, Randall W. Williams
  • Patent number: 5329976
    Abstract: A medication dispenser (2, 120) is used to directly fill a syringe (8, 134) with measured amounts of one or more liquid medications, typically two different types of insulin, from containers, such as vials (4, 6) and cartridges (230, 232, 234) each having a septum at one end; each cartridge has a pierceable piston (256) at the other end. The septum of each container is pierced by hollow liquid spikes (54) while hollow gas spikes (56) pierce the septum of the vial and the piston of the cartridge. Liquid is pumped out of the container and air is replaced into the container through the liquid and gas spikes. Two of the cartridges can contain a diluent (231) and a lyophilized component (233) respectively; the diluent in the first cartridge can be pumped into the second cartridge through a one-way valve to create a mixed pharmaceutical which is then pumped into the syringe, with or without another pharmaceutical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Habley Medical Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Haber, William H. Smedley, Clark B. Foster
  • Patent number: 5255708
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling motorcycle front forks comprising, a horizontally planar platform for positioning proximate a motorcycle front fork. Mounted upon the platform are a tubular, vertically adjustable dipstick, a hand pump and a reservoir. The dipstick is vertically adjusted to the correct level of fork fluid in the reservoir. The front fork is then overfilled with fork fluid. Excess fork fluid is then pumped out of the fork by the hand pump into the reservoir. Flow of fork fluid automatically ceases when the correct level of fork fluid is attained because the end of the dipstick will then be above the level of fork fluid in the motorcycle front fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Anthony G. Liparoto
    Inventors: Anthony G. Liparoto, Dominic Liparoto
  • Patent number: 5104624
    Abstract: A hand-held, manually operated pipetter having a variable volume controlled by a rotating spindle and adjusting screw that control the position of a stop which limits the upper end of the stroke of the pipetter piston. The lower end of the stroke is controlled by a movable stop urged to a first position by a blow-out spring which may be overcome with additional force applied to the pipetter piston when the lower stop is engaged. The pipetter also includes a stripper which surrounds the tip holder and which is actuated by a rod movable in the body of the pipetter along a path parallel to the path of the pipetter piston. The pipetter piston and the stripper rod are controlled by separate actuators which may readily be engaged by the thumb of the hand which holds the body of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Costar Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony M. Labriola
  • Patent number: 5092376
    Abstract: There is provided by this invention an apparatus for injecting resin which provides a sealed injection position for uniform injection pressure on the resin and allows the depth of the injection needle to the controlled so that even minute delaminations, cracks, and voids in composite structures may be filled. The filling resin is contained in a syringe which is held in an injector frame. The syringe's needle protrudes from the nosepiece which is threadably engaged in the injector frame so that by further rotation of the nosepiece the depth of injection may be altered. Air lines and inlet ports are provided to urge the plunger of the syringe forward so as to eject resin into the composite structure, as well as to provide an improved seal about the injection position at the surface of the composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Blankenship, Ralph Compton, John Griffin
  • Patent number: 5046539
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system comprises a first linearly translatable plate and a second linearly translatable plate mounted below the first plate at 90 degrees relative thereto, the first plate being displaceable in one direction and the second plate being displaceable in another direction, said dispenser including an overhead fluid dispenser for dispensing calibrated amounts of fluid into each well of a multi-welled dish wherein the wells are spaced apart in rows and columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Peter MacLeish, Michael Chen, Henry Shao
  • Patent number: 4986322
    Abstract: An assembly in-situ preparation of suspensions and solutions of an active, solid, product in a liquid product, each of the products being separately contained in a hermetic flask, with connecting means permitting the placing in communication of the two flasks, which means consists of a single piece (1) molded of plastic material with an upper portion (2) internally threaded for coupling with the neck of the flask (7) containing the liquid and a lower portion (3) capping the neck of the flask containing the solid product, the molded connecting piece is closed by a sealed elastomer stopper and an inner shoulder hooking over one or several small collars on the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Societe Semco
    Inventors: Jean Chibret, Charles Manni
  • Patent number: 4941520
    Abstract: Apparatus for formulating pasty materials comprising a set of supply containers each containing a pasty material and each having an extrusion nozzle. A receiving tube is adapted to fit on each extrusion nozzle. An element is included for stimating the amount of material extruded from a selected container of the set into the receiving tube when the tube is fitted on one of the extrusion nozzles. The receiving tube is of flexible material to allow pasty material extruded into the tube to be ejected from the tube by application of a traveling pinching action along the tube. The apparatus may include a container for the receipt of such ejected material and an element for stirring or mixing to homogeneity material in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventors: Martin E. Dowzall, Vazgen J. Houssian
  • Patent number: 4852620
    Abstract: There is disclosed a pipette and a method of using the pipette in which an active element of the pressurizing system is a bellows within a piston chamber, operated by a motor. To achieve the advantages of the invention, including ease in manufacturing and the ability to actuate a tip ejector, the bellows is mounted so that the outside surface of the sidewall of the bellows, together with the piston chamber, defines the air volume operative on a fluid passageway leading to a disposable tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Raymond F. Jakubowicz, Johannes J. Porte
  • Patent number: 4750647
    Abstract: A non-aerosol liquid dispenser comprising a container having a preformed elastomeric diaphragm secured therein. The diaphragm stretches during filling of the container to create a return force which causes dispensing when a manually operated valve is actuated. The diaphragm includes a one-way valve which, during filling of the container, operates to permit air trapped beneath the diaphragm to enter the space above the diaphragm where the liquid is being supplied. The trapped air is expelled during the first actuation of the manually operated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Inventor: Milton J. Cohen
  • Patent number: 4735239
    Abstract: The device uses an elastic tubular bladder for receiving liquid which is expandable radially generally spherically at a local segment until a fully-expanded cross-section is achieved at which time the expanded region begins to grows axially, thereby maintaining a relatively constant pressure independent of bladder volume. The device is provided with a nozzle and a valve for controlling and directing the flow of the projected liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Water Weenies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Salmon, John S. Briski